2010 Topps Heritage #93 Raul Ibañez

Phillies 6, Mets 5
Game 111 - Sunday Afternoon, August 8th in Philadelphia

A 5-run 3rd inning provided just enough cushion for the Phils as they defeated the Mets this afternoon, taking 2 out of 3 in the series.  They kept pace with the Braves, who also won, staying 2 games behind in the NL East.  Roy Halladay recorded his 14th win of the season, striking out 10 in the process.

The big blow in the Phillies' big 3rd inning was Raul Ibañez' 3-run home run - his 11th of the season.  Ibañez is in the midst of a career-high 16-game hitting streak in which he's hitting .421 (24 for 57) with 4 doubles, 4 home runs and 16 RBIs.  Jayson Werth had 3 hits in the game, including a solo home run in the 2nd which just cleared the center field wall and caused Mets' center fielder Carlos Beltran to run smack dab into said wall.  (Hey Carlos:  That's why they call it a "warning" track.)

Brad Lidge recorded his 14th save (his 4th save in his last 4 opportunities) while stranding the tying run at 3rd.  The Phils will enjoy an off day tomorrow before starting a series with the under performing Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night.

Alumni Batting Challenge:  The unlikely duo of Kevin Stocker and Ricky Bottalico defeated two other teams before this afternoon's game to take the Phillies' Annual Alumni Batting Challenge.  They bested the teams of Jim Eisenreich/Mitch Williams and Darren Daulton/Dickie Noles.